Into the sunset

Wednesday

Oct 17, 2012 at 2:53 PM

By Chad Frey

Newton KansanBy Chad FreyNewton Kansanhe's not calling attention to a politcal cause, or raising funds for anything. All Randy Schumacher, is doing is trying go see a friend in New Mexico.It's his mode of transportation that gets him attention. Dillon, a horse Schumaker rescued from abusive owners, takes Schumacher down the road every day — about 30 miles each day.Tuesday that road was through Newton, as Schumacher rode part of the old Meridian Highway — the longest transcontinental highway in the world."You miss a lot in a car," Schumacher said. "You'd be amazed at what I have found along the highway."He told The Kansan he picked up a gun in one state — turning it over to the highway patrol when he was able to do so."I gave it to the next police officer I saw," He said. "I told the officer 'I have something you might be interested in.'"Originally from Alabama, Schumacher was in Utah where he found Dillon. It was during that time tragedy struck his family. Schumacher said his twin sister was murdered.He went home to see what was happening there. While there, a friend in Nebraska offered him an RV — but that fell through."I climbed back on my horse, and started riding this way," Schumacher said.He picks up odd jobs to raise cash, and now and then someone will offer some hay and dog food for his companions."I think they eat better than I do," Schumacher said.He has a job waiting, helping start up a ranch, in New Mexico. That's his final destination — a place he believes he can make it to by the end of October. He plans on making it to Dodge City in three days."On a cool day I try and put in 30 to 35 miles. On warm day like this one I do 20 to 25. I try and stop and walk a lot to give Dillon a break," Schumacher said.